Death Toll Rises To 41 After Plane Erupted In Flames; Moscow

RUSSIA- It has been revealed that 41 people died when a passenger plane erupted into flames during an emergency landing yesterday at an airport in Moscow, Russia.

The Aeroflot aircraft burst into flames at Sheremetyevo airport after hitting the runway last night (read here). Videos seen from the scene showed passengers running out of the burning plane using emergency slides.

Initially, it was reported the one person died and at least 5 were injured. It was later stated that 13 people, including two children, had been killed. However, investigators confirmed hours later that 41 had died in the blaze. Speaking in a statement, the Russian Investigative Committee said: “There were 78 people on board, including [five] crew members. According to updated information, 37 out of them survived.”

The plane had reportedly taken off for the northern city of Murmansk, but a fire broke out while it was in the air and it returned to Sheremetyevo.